With a quorum
present, Mayor Elizabeth G.Flores called the meeting to order.

II.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Elizabeth G.Flores led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III.ROLL CALL

In attendance:

Elizabeth G.Flores,Mayor

Alfredo Agredano,Council
Member, District I

Louis H.Bruni,Council
Member, District II

John C.Galo,Council
Member, District III

Johnny Amaya,Council
Member, District IV

Eliseo Valdez, Jr.,Mayor
Pro Tempore, District V

Joe A.Guerra,Council
Member, District VI

Jose A.Valdez, Jr.,Council
Member, District VII

Juan Ramirez,Council
Member, District VIII

Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,City
Secretary

Larry Dovalina,City
Manager

Cynthia Collazo,Assistant
City Manager

Jaime Flores,City
Attorney

IV.MINUTES

Approval of the minutes of November 19, 2001 and November
26, 2001.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez, Jr.

Second:Cm.Ramirez

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

V.COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

Announcements

Mayor Flores announced a local contest that will determine the
name for theLaredo hockey team.The winner will receive two lifetime tickets
to the hockey games, $500 in cash, and bragging rights.

Invitations

Recognitions

a.RecognizingLaredo Police Chief Agustin Dovalina, III for
being named Administrator

of the Year by CLEAT (Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas)
at the recent CLEAT Convention in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Mayor Flores and City Council recognized Police Chief Agustin
Dovalina III, for being named Administrator of the Year by the Combined Law
Enforcement Association of Texas in Corpus Christi at a recent seminar.

Mr. Ron De Lord, President of CLEAT, applauded the Chief of Police
for his commitment to excellence.He
noted that the Laredo Police Department is ranked at the top of the state
because they have reached their goals in improving the department.He said that the Chief is well deserved in receiving
the award for his honesty, integrity and fair dealings over issues that are
important to the Laredo Police Department.

Agustin Dovalina III, Chief of Police, noted that he was humbled
and honored by the recognition that he received from CLEAT and the
Council.He accepted the award on behalf
of the men and women that he works for and with.

b.Recognition of
Irene Garcia, Oscar "O.J."Chavez, and Armando Gonzalez for

representingLaredo at the National Black Belt World Games in
Los
Angeles, California on December 26, 2001 thru January 1, 2002.

Mayor Flores presented Irene Garcia, Oscar Chavez, and Armando
Gonzalez a glass monument for representing Laredo at the National Black Belt World Games in
Los
Angeles, California.

Communiqués

Cm.Agredano
wished everyone a Happy New Year.

Cm.Bruni
wished all the citizens of Laredo a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Cm.Galo wished the citizens
of Laredo happy holidays.

Cm.Amaya
noted that he is ready to work diligently with the Mayor and City Council for
the community in the coming year.

Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez wished his constituents a Happy New Year
and asked everybody to keep a sense of patriotism alive and to pray for our
nation.

Cm.Guerra wished everyone a
happy and prosperous New Year.He
promised his constituents that he would do his best to complete the projects
that are still pending before his term ends this year.

Cm.J.Valdezwished everyone a Happy New Year.

Cm.J. Ramirez wished everyone
a Happy New Year.He reminded
individuals that are 18 years of age to register so they can vote in the
upcoming elections.

Mayor Flores asked Laredoans to keep a
light on during the year to honor the lives that were lost and the lives that
were saved on September 11, 2001.She read the following statement:

“We asked God to grant us patience and God said “no” - patience is
a bi-product of tribulations… it is not granted… it is earned.We asked God to give us happiness and God
said “no”… I give you blessings…. and happiness is up to you.We asked God to spare us
pain and God said "no"…. suffering draws you apart from the worldly
cares and brings you closer to me.We
asked God to make our spirit grow and God said "no"….. you must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you
fruitful.We asked for all things that
we might enjoy life and God said "no".I will give you life so that you may enjoy
all things.We asked God to help us love
others as much as God loves us and God said finally…. you got the idea.This year let us stop telling God how big our
storm is...instead let us tell our storm how big our God is.Let's work together so that we can stay
together and be a better city.”

VI.APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES

a.Appointment by
Council Member John C. Galo of Francisco Canseco to
the City Charter

Revision
Commission.

Motion
to approve.

Moved:Cm.Galo

Second:Cm.Agredano

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

b.Appointment by
Council Member Johnny Amaya of Javier Martinez to the
City Charter

Revision
Commission.

Motion
to approve.

Moved:Cm.Galo

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

c.Appointment by
Mayor Pro-Tempore Eliseo Valdez of Susan Foster to the City Charter

Revision
Commission.

Motion
to approve.

Moved:Cm.Galo

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

d.Appointment by
Council Member Jose A. Valdez of Maria de la Luz Flores to the City

Charter
Revision Commission.

Motion
to approve.

Moved:Cm.Galo

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

Cm.Joe A.Guerra left at 6:30 p.m.

VII.PUBLIC HEARINGS

1.Public hearing and
introductory ordinance accepting a grant awarded by the University

ofTexasHealthScienceCenter at San Antonio for the South Texas/Border
Region Health Professional Education Initiative for Public Library health
related materials and amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002 Annual Budget in
the amount of $2,000.00.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved:Cm.Galo

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:7Against:0Abstain:
0

There was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.

Moved:Cm.Galo

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:7Against:0Abstain:0

Ordinance Introduction:City Council

2.Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002

Annual
Budget to appropriate $80,000.00 in the Friends of the Library Fund.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved:Cm.Galo

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:7Against:0Abstain:0

There was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.

Moved: Cm.Galo

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:7Against:0Abstain:0

Ordinance Introduction:City Council

3.Public hearing and
introductory ordinance accepting a direct aid grant from the Texas

State Library--Lone Star Libraries Program
and amending the City of Laredo FY 2001-2002 Annual Budget in the amount of
$22,131.00.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved:Cm.Galo

Second:Cm.J.Valdez

For:7Against:0Abstain:0

There was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.

Moved:Cm.Galo

Second:Cm.J.Valdez

For:7Against:0Abstain:0

Ordinance Introduction:City Council

4.Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the

City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 9 and 11, Block 654, Eastern
Division, located at 1119 Travis St., from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to
B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing for publication and effective
date.The Planning and Zoning Commission
has recommended approval of the proposed zone change.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved:Cm.Galo

Second:Cm.Bruni

For:7Against:0Abstain:0

Vidal Palacios, neighbor to applicant, mentioned that he is not
against the zone change but he is opposed to selling flower off the street.

Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.

Moved:Cm.Amaya

Second:Cm.Galo

For:7Against:0Abstain:0

Ordinance Introduction:Cm.Amaya

5.Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo 2001-2002

annual budget by appropriating $612,860.00 from
the Bridge System Construction fund balance into the Toll Plaza Improvement
Account.Funding will be used for Bridge
I rehabilitation of the bridge deck and removal of submerged concrete
components in the river near Bridge I.

burial plots and services.Payment plan sets penalty and finance charges
assessed on Cemetery Accounts Receivables of 2% for those accounts not
liquidated after 90 days and a finance interest rate of 8% per year; providing
for effective date and publication.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved:Cm.Galo

Second:Cm.Agredano

For:7Against:0Abstain:0

There was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.

Moved:Cm.Galo

Second:Cm.J.Valdez

For:7Against:0Abstain:0

Ordinance Introduction:City Council

7.Public hearing and
introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo's FY 2001-2002

annual budget for the Hazmat Fund to appropriate
$150,000.00 from the fund balance to pay a portion of the remodeling cost for
the new Environmental Services Department office at 619 Reynolds Street.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved:Cm.Galo

Second:Cm.J. Valdez

For:7Against:0Abstain:0

There was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

Moved:Cm.Bruni

Second:Cm.Agredano

For:7Against:0Abstain:0

Ordinance Introduction:City Council

8.Public hearing and
introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend and

appropriate the FY 2001-2002 annual budget in the
amount of $30,000.00 from the Texas Department of Health Local Projects
Grant.The grant award of $30,000.00
will be assigned toward the purchase of an ambulance for the Laredo Fire
Department.

Motion to open the public hearing.

Moved:Cm.Bruni

Second:Cm.Galo

For:7Against:0Abstain:0

There was no public input.

Motion to close the public hearing and
introduce.

Moved:Cm.Bruni

Second:Cm.Galo

For:7Against:0Abstain:0

Ordinance Introduction:City
Council

VIII.GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND
PRESENTATIONS

9.A.Request by Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores

1.Inform members of the
City Council and community about information presented

in
letter from Mayor Ross C. Anderson of Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Mayor read the
following letter:

“Dear Mayor Flores:

I write to inform you of an unfortunate situation that has arisen
at Salt Lake CityInternationalAirport and to provide you with information that
may assist you in preventing similar problems at your own airport
facilities.

Paul Warner, the US attorney for Utah, informed me recently that
an investigation had disclosed that certain individuals who had access to
restricted areas of Salt Lake City International Airport had misrepresented
their backgrounds.I agreed with him
that the situation needed to be corrected.We must have confidence that we know the background of every worker in
these secure areas, and we cannot permit people to work in a compromising
position that might be exploited by terrorists.

The approach that federal and state law enforcement agencies took
to solve the problem at our airport was to embark upon a clandestine (secret
even to me), seven-week investigation, which started in mid-October.The inquiry disclosed that 67 individuals
with access to secure areas had provided false background information to their
employers.Sixty-one of these employees
were migrant workers who had falsified social security numbers.

At the end of the investigation, state and federal officers
arrested and imprisoned dozens of workers.These arrests left many families in turmoil, with children waiting at
home for their parents to return from work.After the families figured out what was happening, an even greater
reality hit home: those arrested faced criminal prosecution and
deportation.All this left many families
wondering why they were bring treated like terrorists and what they would do to
make ends meet. There is no evidence that any of those arrested planned any terrorist
activity, and most were just trying to support their families by working
maintenance and food-service jobs at the airport.

The events of September 11th have taught us to expect a new level
of vigilance from our government regarding security issues.Nowhere is this watchfulness more needed than
at our nation's airports, where we should expect swift action when security
breaches are uncovered.I wholeheartedly
concur with the need to tighten all aspects of security at our nation's
airports, including the need to screen carefully all workers who have access to
restricted areas.Those migrant workers
who falsified social security number;, however, likely
had no idea they were doing anything that would subject them to prosecution or
deportation.They were simply doing what
thousands of other economic migrants are doing throughout the state, and what
millions are doing throughout the nation.Most of them were working at low-paying food service and janitorial jobs.Unfortunately, their employers placed them in
secured areas of the airport.

Fundamentally, our nation's hypocritical policies toward migrant
workers are at fault for this situation.The federal government, including U. S. Attorneys and the INS, give a wink and a
nod to million of undocumented foreign workers, who often work in low-paying
food service and labor jobs.As with
immigrant workers throughout our nation's history, these workers contribute
significantly (more than $30 billion) to the US economy each year, despite low wages and minimal
benefits.Many segments of our economy,
including the hospitality industry (hotels and fast-food chains in particular)
and agriculture, would be crippled without the labor provided by immigrant
workers.

The gap between the law (undocumented workers are "illegal)
and subject to deportation) and common practice (allowing economic migrants to
work where we need them, even after using false social security numbers) is
obvious to any informed observer.Facing
this reality, even President Bush ahs considered granting a general amnesty to
Mexican workers in the U. S.

Given these circumstances, a more reasonable, compassionate
approach should have been pursued with Salt Lake City's airport workers.In October, before incurring the cost and
delay of a massive investigation, we could have informed workers with
questionable immigration statues that they should immediately leave restricted
areas and quit their jobs or face prosecution.This would have remedied the security issue seven weeks faster than
"Operation Safe Travel," while avoiding the devastating human costs
of the arrests and prosecutions. Then, we could have followed up with an
investigation to confirm the backgrounds of remaining workers in secure areas,
ensuring 100% compliance.

I understand that US Attorney's across the nation may be pursuing
similar actions.I implore you and other
mayors to address this issue at your airport facilities immediately and to
handle the situation in a humane, compassionate manner.If you intervene now by asking any airport
workers who might have falsified their applications to immediately leave
secured areas and voluntarily relinquish their jobs, you will be able to
increase security at your airport quickly and inexpensively, without waiting
for the well-publicized arrests that will embarrass your airport and city
officials, and the federal prosecutions and deportations that will cause sever
disruptions in the lives of migrant workers and their families.

We can work together to solve the problems facing our country and
our communities, and make this a nation that treasures diversity, freedom, and
compassion for all.Please do not
hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this matter.I would be glad to assist you in preventing
what happened in Salt Lake City from taking place at your airport.

Sincerely,

Ross C.Anderson

Mayor”

2.Discussion with possible
action regarding letter to Texas Department of

Transportation from the City of Laredo concerning proposed
Minute Order 108544 Limiting Frontage Roads.

Keith Selman, City Planner, informed City Council that the Minute
Order would provide a mechanism where not only frontage roads will be
constructed with new freeway systems but access would be controlled as
well.He said it is a double hit on
access on all the freeway systems and along the limited access systems.He said it provides a mechanism for something
that is called a backage road. He noted that a backage road is a road that would be offset from the main
lanes, maybe several hundred feet yet parallel to the freeway system, serving
basically as an access road but recessed much further back.He said there are mechanisms under the
provisions where there are exceptions to improve safety, efficiency, resolve
land locks, and improve circulation on local streets.He also said the Commission may improve
frontage road and construction when they determine that such construction is in
the best interest of the state.He
stressed that there are arguments on both sides of the table.Finally, he noted that there are economic
inequalities.He spoke in opposition to
the Minute Order 108544 Limiting Frontage Roads.

Motion to draft a resolution to TxDOT on the proposed minute order 108544 Limiting Frontage Roads.

Moved:Cm.J.Valdez

Second:Cm.Bruni

For:7Against:0Abstain:0

B.Request by Council Member Alfredo Agredano

1.Discussion with possible
action on creation of Fourth Fire District.(co-

sponsored
by Council Member Louis H. Bruni)

Rudy Ochoa, President
of the Laredo Firefighters Association, he read the

following
statement:

"On October 11, 2001 the General President Harold A.Schaitberger of the International Association of Firefights
issued a report on the staffing needs of local Fire Departments.In his report he states:"While we all tend to look toward the
military in time of war, the reality is that in this war on terrorism, it is firefighters
who will be our first line of defense."Adequate staffing is important for public safety as well as for the
safety of firefighters performing that mission.The IAFF has long recognized that fire ground safety is inextricably
linked to adequate staffing.

Late last year, Captain Jay Jahnke of
the Houston Fire Department lost his life while
helping rescue a resident in a fire.The
resident was also killed in the fire.During Jahnke's funeral service, the wife of
the fallen firefighter, Dawn Jahnke, expressed how
her husband felt about the staffing issue that is so critical to firefighters
and citizen's safety."I stand
before you in my darkest moment and my husband's finest hour," said Jahnke."We sat
last week and I asked Jay how they could continue to allow the department to
ride short.His response was
simple.Heck, I don't know.I guess someone's going to have to die before
they get it."

Our City is the fastest growing city in Texas and the second fastest in the
nation.It is important to realize that
a supervisor plays a very important part in safety at the fire scene for both
firefighters and citizens alike.Waiting
for a Fire Station in CelitoLindo
to be built does nothing to help in the response time for a District Chief to
South Laredo for our safety and that of our citizens in that area.

We sent a letter asking that you support the implementation of the
Fourth Fire District by January 1 of 2002.That date has come and gone without the safety issue being
resolved.I was asked recently why it
was important that this issue be solved as soon as possible.The answer is simple, to prevent accidents
like the one this past year in Houston.We cannot wait for something to happen in order to act on it.We respectfully request that the Fourth Fire
District be implemented by February 1, 2002 before any harm comes to one of our
citizens or one of our Fire Fighters.

Sincerely

Jose
"Rudy" Ochoa

President Local
1390"

HomeroMojica,
Firefighter and member of the Association, read the following statement:

“We, the Association, come before you to ask for your assistance
in implementing the Fourth Fire District.Back in December 3, 2001, this Council heard a presentation given by
Chief Sosa in regards to a Fourth Fire District.It seemed that the Council agreed that a
Fourth Fire District was needed and that the Fourth Fire District would be
implemented in the fiscal year of 2002 and 2003.We respectfully ask that the Council
implement the 4th Fire District on February 2, 2002.The reason for this request simply is
safety.Safety for the
citizens of Laredo and the Firefighters.We know that the average response time for South Laredo is nine minutes.The Laredo Fire Department and City of Laredo have strived to have a response time of
approximately five minutes.During the
Council meeting on December 3, Councilman Agredano
asked what the response time was with the District Chief covering for the
District Chief from central (whose responsibility is South Laredo).The answer given was about 12 to 15 minutes.This is way over the response time goal that
the Fire Department has.In order to
carry out our mission, we must consider fire ground safety to that end.The Laredo Fire Department uses two incident
management models which are the Incident Command System and the FICA Man
System.The NFPA whose standards govern
the fire service require that the Fire Department follow the Incident Command
System. The Fire Ground Model is a system that tries to standardize approaches
to fire ground tactics.Both systems require
that only one person be in charge at all fires.This is for safety reasons.In
both of these the District Chief is the Incident Commander.Both systems have flexibility. They allow for
the first arriving until the District Chief arrives.We ask you if the response time acceptable to
you?We have
always counted on you when it comes to issues receiving concerning Fire
Fighters safety and we are asking for your support again by implementing the
4th Fire District on February 4, 2002.”

Cm.Agredano
expressed his concern about the safety for the Fire Fighters and the public in
his district.

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, noted that staff sent a letter to
the Fire Association committing to funding the 4th Fire District
within the 2002-2003 Budget.He also
expressed that he would expedite the commitment if there were a safety
issue.

Jaime Flores, City Attorney, read excerpts from the Collective
Bargaining Agreement, which states that the Association recognized that the
City has sole and exclusive rights to exercise all rights and functions of
management.He said the President and
his representatives have agreed with the contract.He also pointed out that the agreements
determine the methods, means, and personnel in which operations are to be
carried out.Finally, he mentioned the
City Charter, which stated that the responsibility of management lies on the
City Manager and City Council, not the department head.

The impact of hiring personnel on an overtime basis would further
negatively affect the department's overtime budget.We are currently in our second quarter of
operation and we are up to 47% of our overtime budget.

The fire department is in the process of hiring personnel.There are three new programs coming online
with the addition of an aerial truck and two ambulances.There are only 26 firefighters in our
budget.We are short 7 positions due to
retirements and promotions.

Cm.Agredano
asked Chief Sosa to get meet with the Union to assure them the City has proper
coverage for Station # 2.

Mayor Flores asked the City Attorney to meet with the Union
representative to discuss any discrepancies.

2.Status report on Century City median.

Motion to cancel this item.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Moved:Cm.Bruni

For:7Against:0Abstain:0

C.Request by Council Member Louis H. Bruni

1.Status report on the
lack of water and wastewater infrastructure at Casa Verde

Acres.

Beto Ramirez, Utilities Interim Director, said the project is not
included in the Capital Improvement Plan; however, staff is working diligently
to locate funding for the project.He
noted that he will meet with the City Manager to discuss several options and
will report back to Council.

Cm.Bruni
stated he was under the impression that the funds were earmarked for the
project.He stressed the desire for the
project to be complete.

Mayor Flores asked staff to report back to Council on the bond
reserves or other appropriate funding options.

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, reminded Council that once the water
and sewer

lines are in front of the homes, the owner will be obligated
to connect to the

lines at their own expense.

2.Status
report on empty lot in Los Ebanos Subdivision.

Benny Salinas, Building Director, reported that this individual
has been cited and he has gone to Municipal Court.

Cm.Bruni asked the Health
Department to inspect the property for health issues.

Cynthia Collazo, Assistant City Manager, stated that the Fire
Department and the Health Department would inspect the property.She said that if the property poses to be a
safety or health hazard the City will force clean the property.

D.Request by Council Member John C. Galo

1.Discussion with possible action regarding pigeon problem at the
1400

Block of Guadalupe.

Dr.Hector Gonzalez, Health
Director, noted that staff did inspect the property and gave the property owner
several recommendations to rid the area of pigeons.He noted that the owner agreed to act on the
problem as soon as possible.

2.Requesting a traffic
study on the signalization at the intersections of Market and

Seymour
and Market and Stone.

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, reported that they have already
initiated a count for those two intersections.He said that he needs to get the action data and the study will be
complete in five weeks.

Cm.Joe A.Guerra returned to the meeting at this time,
7:55 p.m.

3.Status report on Chacon
Creek Project Clean-Up and the Texas Parks and

Wildlife
Jogging and Bike Trail.

Horacio De Leon, Parks Director, reported that he submitted a
report to Council that included pictures of the Chacon Creek Project
Clean-Up.He said that staff is working
with Community Development with regards to the Chacon Hike and Bike Trail.He noted that he submitted a chronology on
all the different dates.

Riazul Mia, Environmental Director, reported that the City has
applied for grants to EPA in the amount of $300,000 to assist with the jogging
trails and clean up. He noted that staff would know the answer by the end of
the month.

Erasmo Villarreal, Community Development, noted that the City has
acquired property in that area.He said
that staff has been working with an engineering firm to survey all of the area.
He will report to Council at a later date.

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reported that he submitted a short
list of the projects that have been completed in District IV.He noted that the latest project is 35 blocks
in District IV and it is 40% complete.He said that they are looking for funding to place sidewalks on five
blocks of Plum and Meadow to McClelland.

Motion to complete five blocks of Plum,
Meadow to McClelland.The funds will be taken from the
discretionary fund of Cm.Amaya.

Moved:Cm.Amaya

Second:Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

F.Request by Council Member Jose A. Valdez, Jr.

1. Discussion with possible action on the
status of CPL Road.

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, reported that staff has had several
discussions with Crane Engineering and made presentations to Council related to
the CPL road.The City has three
different alternatives that have been illustrated to the Councilman.Staff is not satisfied with those particular
alternatives because there is a conflict with the proposed road and with the
proposed overpass.He said that he met
with the County Judge, Commissioners, and with TxDOT
representatives about the status of the Mines Road overpass, and he indicated
to them that the City has received an appropriation with a direct designation
under the Transportation Appropriations Bill of $3.2 million.There is a quarter of a million dollars of
which the city is proposing to provide as a long term relief, but the project
would have to take a different course to make sure that it is viable and will
parallel CPL roadway with Mines Road 1472.The District Planner told us that the guidelines state that the City
needs to encumber or spend the money by September 2002.He also stated that the Mayor would get
clarification about the funds when she goes to Washington.She will ask if the funds will go to TxDOT or the City.If the funds are awarded to the City we will expedite the project and
make sure that the CPL roadway is constructed prior to any construction
beginning on the overpass because the indications and the modeling shows there
will be a major disruption to the traffic area at that area.

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, reiterated the fact that the City
has three different alternatives for the CPL Roadway.He said that staff has extensive design and
estimates for all alternatives.

2. Discussion with possible action on the widening and
reconstruction of Markley

Street.

Rogelio Rivera, City Engineer, stated that the problem with
widening and reconstruction is that the City has only 20 feet of
right-of-way.He noted that the street
is very old and the railroad tracks are very high.He added that several years back Union
Pacific built up the tracks and made it worse because of a spur that is no
longer being used.He said that he would
contact Union Pacific and ask them to remove the spur.

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, asked the Council Member for
the name of the contact person.He added
that staff would provide the person with the information they need to begin the
process of installingspeed humps on Center Road.

4.Discussion with possible
action on installing flashing beacons on Lafayette

Overpass
and Rancho Viejo Drive.

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, stated that staff has already
initiated installing flashing beacons on the Lafayette Overpass and Rancho
Viejo Drive and it will be complete in two weeks.

Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, informed Council that staff is
drafting an ordinance regarding residential parking permits.He noted that the details need to be specific
and the residents must agree.He said
that he would have a meeting with other departments because enforcement is an
issue.He added that if a resident is
handicapped and needs special assistance, the City would work with the
individual.

IX.INTRODUCTORY ORDINANCES

10.Authorizing the City
Manager to execute a lease with the Washington's Birthday

Celebration Association, Inc., for
approximately fifteen (15) acres of concrete ramp located on the southwest
cargo ramp of the Air Operations Area of the Laredo International Airport.Lease term is for one (1) day on February 24, 2002.City Council finds and declares that a valid
public purpose would be served in setting the rental fee at $1.00 plus
reimbursement for actual expenses that may be incurred by the Airport Fund for
security and clean-up operations during the air show event; providing for an
effective date.

The Mayor stated that she would cancel the reimbursement for
actual expenses and use her funds to pay for the airport security and clean up
operations so that it continues to be a free event for the people of Laredo and
surrounding areas.

Ordinance Introduction:City Council

11.Authorizing the City
Manager to execute a lease with San Antonio MTA, L.P., d/b/a

Verizon Wireless for ground space at the
McPherson Water Tower located at 8711 McPherson, Laredo, Webb County, Texas and
being more fully described in Exhibit "A" of lease agreement to
construct on such premises a 120 ft. monopole and related equipment building
for use with its communications business.Term of the lease is for five (5) years commencing January 28, 2002 and
ending January 27, 2007 with four (4) successive renewal terms of five (5)
years.Annual base rent shall be
$8,400.00 each year during the term of the lease and will be increased by four
percent (4%) on each anniversary of the commencement date; providing for
effective date.

Ordinance Introduction:City Council

12.Authorizing the City
Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectively convey

fee simple title to the "Surface Only", at its adjusted
market value of $4,005.00 for certain property described as a 18,520 sq. ft.
more or less, tract of land out of the former section of the 600 Block of
Jarvis Avenue between Cleveland Street and the south property line of Block
1292-A, Eastern Division to Jesse J. Martinez, Hector F. Martinez and Jorge R.
Martinez provided that the City of Laredo retains a 15-foot wide utility
easement; said tract being situated in the Eastern Division, City of Laredo,
Webb County, Texas, being described in Exhibit "A" and providing for
effective date.

Ordinance Introduction:City Council

13.Authorizing the City
Manager to execute a lease with Jam for George, a non-profit

organization, for the El Metro Park & Ride located
at 4600 Daugherty for the purpose of holding a concert.The lease term is for one day beginning
Friday, February 15, 2002 at 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 midnight.Rental fee shall be $1.00.

The Mayor amended the Ordinance Introduction as follows:Authorizing the City Manager to execute a
lease with Laredo Little Theater, a non-profit organization, for the El Metro
Park & Ride located at 4600 Daugherty for the purpose of holding a concert,
a Jam for George.The lease term is for
one day beginning on Thursday, February 14th at 8 a.m. until Friday,
February 15th 2002
until 3 a.m.The rental fee shall be $1.00.

in the Capital Improvements Fund by appropriating revenues and
expenditures in the amount of $80,000.00, which are being donated by Wal-Mart
Real Estate Business Trust and Killam Oil Co., Ltd.
in order to fund the installation and activation of a traffic signal on Loop 20
at the northern access for the proposed Wal-Mart Super Center to be located at
the intersection of Loop 20 and Spur 400, and authorizing the City Manager to
implement said budget.(As Amended)

Motion to adopt Ordinance #2002-O-001.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

2002-O-002Authorizing the City Manager to accept
a grant and amend the City of

Laredo FY 2001-2002 annual budget in the amount of $111,336.00
from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for the Children's Health
Insurance Outreach Project (CHIP) of the City of Laredo Health Department for
the period beginning February 1, 2002 through August 31, 2003.

Motion to adopt Ordinance #2002-O-002.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

2002-O-003Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of
the City of Laredo by

authorizing a Conditional Use Permit for a small
engine repair business on Lot 7,
Block 1800, Eastern Division, located at 2920 Musser St.; providing for publication and effective
date.(As amended)

Motion to adopt Ordinance #2002-O-003.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:
0

2002-O-004Amending Ordinance No. 2000-O-306
authorizing the issuance of a

Special Use Permit for mini-storage warehouses on Lots 7, 8, 9,
and 10 Block 431, Eastern Division, located at 202 W. Saunders St. such that
the permit includes a revised site plan; providing for publication and
effective date.

Motion to adopt Ordinance #2002-O-004.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

2002-O-005Authorizing the issuance of a Special
Use Permit and Drilling Permit to

Ocean Energy, Inc. for well re-entry and repairs which do not
involve deepening or conversion on Lots 119 through 127, Block 4, Colonia Los Angeles Subdivision, Unit III, located at the
4500 Block of La Joya Lane, known as L.A. Wright-Moon
"A" #4 Well; providing for publication and effective date.(As amended)

Motion to adopt Ordinance #2002-O-005.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

2002-0-006Authorizing the issuance of a Special
Use Permit to Libcon, Inc. for an

2002-O-007Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo authorizing

the
issuance of a Conditional Use Permit for a used car lot on Lot 5,

Block 296, Eastern
Division, located at 2219 McDonnell Ave; providing

for
publication and effective date.(As
amended)

Motion to adopt Ordinance #2002-O-007.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

2002-O-008Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by

authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit
for a meat market on Lot 2
and the South 1/3 or 23.14 feet of Lot 4,
Block 1056, Western Division, located at 4201 Flores Ave.; providing for publication and effective
date.(As amended)

Motion to adopt Ordinance #2002-O-001.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

2002-O-009Authorizing the City Manager to
execute all necessary documents to

effectively convey title to the State of Texas, for the
"Surface Only" of two parcels of land acquired in fee simple title,
as right-of-way for the Milo Interchange Project, as per Texas Transportation
Commission Minute Order No. 107439 and Resolution No. 2001-R-077, as approved
by the Laredo City Council; said land parcels being delineated on attached
Exhibits "A" & "B", and providing for an effective
date.

Motion to adopt Ordinance #2002-O-009.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

2002-O-010Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with San Antonio
MTA,

L.P., d/b/a Verizon Wireless for space
at the Airport Water Tower located at 4903 Maher, Laredo, Webb County, Texas
and being more fully described in Exhibit "A" of lease agreement for
the installation and operation of certain antennae facilities for use with its
communications business and a parcel of land within the owned premises for the
location of an equipment building and related facilities associated with the
antennae facilities.Term of the lease
is ten (10) years commencing January 7, 2002 and ending January 6, 2012 with
three (3) successive renewal terms of five (5) years.Annual base rent shall be $8,400.00 each year
during the term of the lease and will be increased by four percent (4%) on each
anniversary of the commencement date; providing for effective date.

Motion to adopt Ordinance #2002-O-010.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

2002-O-011Authorizing the City Manager to
execute a lease with San Antonio MTA,

L.P. d/b/a Verizon Wireless for ground
space at the Milmo Booster Station located at the
corner of San Luis and Milmo, Laredo, Webb County,
Texas and being more fully described in Exhibit "A" of lease
agreement to construct on such premises a 150 ft. high self-supporting tower
and related equipment building for use with its communications business.Term of the lease is five (5) years
commencing January 7, 2002 and ending January 6, 2007 with four (4) successive
renewal terms of five (5) years.Annual
base rent shall be $8,400.00 each year during the term of the lease and will be
increased by four percent (4%) on each anniversary of the commencement date;
providing for effective date.

Motion to adopt Ordinance #2002-O-011.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

2002-O-012Amending Chapter 12 of the Code of
Ordinances, City of Laredo, Texas

to include Article IV to establish fees for fire inspection services
and life safety inspections, within the corporate limits of the City of Laredo,
Texas.

Motion to adopt Ordinance #2002-O-012.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm. Amaya

For:8Against: 0Abstain:0

XI.RESOLUTIONS

15.2002-R-001Declaring the
public necessity to acquire the "Surface Only" of two

parcels of land for the San Francisco Javier
River Road Extension Project.Said two
parcels being Lot 10, Block 610 and all of Block 680, save and except the
mid-fifty feet on Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5, Western Division, City of Laredo,
Webb County, Texas; being delineated on attached copy of City Plat; and
authorizing staff to negotiate with the owners for the acquisition of said parcels
by purchase at a market value to be established by a State Certified Real
Estate Appraiser; and further authorizing the City Attorney to initiate
condemnation proceedings to acquire said parcels if staff is unable to acquire
through negotiations due to inability to agree to a purchase price, conflict of
ownership, owner refusal to sell, and/or inability to locate a listed owner.

Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-001.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tempore
Valdez

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

16.2002-R-002Declaring the
public necessity to acquire the "Surface Only" of nineteen

17.2002-R-003Authorizing the
City Manager to accept and execute all documentation

from the Texas Department of Health Local Projects Grant.The grant award of $30,000.00 will be
assigned toward the purchase of ambulances for the Laredo Fire Department.

Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-003

Moved:Cm.Galo

Second:Cm.Bruni

For:7Against:0Abstain:0

18.2002-R-004Authorizing the
City Manager to accept a Domestic Preparedness

Equipment Grant in the amount of
$156,000.00 from the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) and the
Department of Justice (DOJ) for the purpose of buying equipment for the Laredo
Fire Department.

Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-004

Moved:Mayor Pro Tempore
Valdez

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

19.2002-R-005Authorizing the
City Manager to submit a grant application with the

Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division
for $1,396,919.00 to fund the Laredo Narcotics Task Force.Criminal Justice Division will grant $1,047,690.00 and the City of
Laredo and participating agencies will match at total of$349,229.00 for a grant in the amount
of $1,396,919.00.This funding will be
used to pay salaries, direct operating expenses, and the purchase of equipment
from June 1, 2002 through May 31, 2003.

Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-005
as amended/corrected.The amount should read $1,412,546.99 to form
the Laredo Narcotics Task Force Criminal Justice Division and will grant
$1,059,410.24 and the City of Laredo and participating agencies will match at a
total of $353,136.75 for a grant in the amount of $1,412,546.99.This funding will be used to pay salaries,
direct operating expenses, and the purchase of equipment from June 1, 2002
through May 31, 2003.

Moved:Mayor Pro Tempore
Valdez

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

20.2002-R-006Authorizing the
City Manager to submit a grant application to the Office

of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division in the amount of
$80,000.00 with the City designating approximately $53,149.00 in matching funds
for a total of $133,149.00 for funding a Domestic Violence Program under the
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for the period of June 1, 2002 through May
31, 2003.

Motion to approve Resolution # 2002-R-006

Moved:Mayor Pro Tempore
Valdez

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

XII.MOTIONS

21.Consideration to award
an annual maintenance contract to Epixtech Co. for
library

automation, network services, software, Vmark licenses and equipment for the Library's Dynix(tm) network in the amount of $65,813.20.Funding is available in the Library
Department Budget.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

22.Consideration to award
contract number FY 02-050 to the Low Bidder Municipal Pipe

and Fabricating of Mission, Texas in the estimated amount of
$340,599.00 for the purchase of PVC pipe for the Utilities Department.These materials are purchased on an as needed
basis for construction and repair projects.Funding is available in the Utilities Department-Water Distribution
Division budget.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

23.Consideration to award
a contract to the Sole Bidder, Metro-Quip, Inc. from Austin,

Texas in the amount of $59,389.00 for the
purchase of an auger grinder system for the Zacate
Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.A JWC Auger, framework and
controls will be installed on an existing channel grinder.Funding is available in the Utilities-Sewer
Fund.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

24.Consideration to
authorize the purchase of thirty-two (32) mobile radios for the Police

Department from Motorola Communications
and Electronics, Inc. of San Antonio, Texas through the State of
Texas-Qualified Information Systems Vendor (QISV) Program.The amount of purchase is $96,944.00.Delivery of these radios is expected within forty-five (45) days.These radios will be installed in the new
sedans recently ordered for the Police Department.Funding is available in the Police
Department's Capital Outlay budget.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

25.Consideration to award
contract number FY 02-041 to the Sole Bidder, C.W. Tenorio

Security of Laredo, Texas in the annual amount of$212,355.00 for providing security
guard services.The contract will be for
a period of two years.Security guard
service is requested for the Bridge System, CivicCenter, City Hall, Health Department, Veteran's
Field, and the Solid Waste Facility.Funding is available in the respective departmental budgets.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

26.Refund of property tax
to the following taxpayers and companies:

a.Refund in
the amount of $595.45 payable to Albert Pena.The WebbCounty

Appraisal District changed the value, certified by the Appraisal
Review Board.This mobile home did not
exist on the first of the year.Account #812-03000-522, Supplement #5, Cause #2001-1322, 1321,
1320.

b.Refund in
the amount of $909.39 payable to AFJ Forwarding, Inc.There was a

double-payment made on this account for the 1999
taxes.The taxpayer is requesting refund
on the overpayment.Taxpayer is providing
copy of checks as proof of payment.

c.Refund in
the amount of $661.77 payable to MortgageServiceCenter.The

MortgageServiceCenter paid on the wrong account and is
requesting a refund on the erroneous payment.MSC was responsible for payment on account #985-60006-500, which has
since been paid.Proof of payment is
provided.

d.Refund in
the amount of $66,684.39 payable to Krups North
America, Inc.Part

of the inventory qualifies for Federal Exemption as per the Webb
County Appraisal Review Board.

e.Refund in
the amount of $943.45 payable to NBC Bank of Laredo due to a

27.Consideration to
authorize Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $44,618.47 to Lambda

Construction Company for the South Laredo Belt Filter Press
Construction Project to pay for electrical improvements to include the reversing
of the screw conveyor and providing for the new motor control center to
accommodate a 15 horse power pump.Funding is available in the Utilities-Sewer Fund.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

28.Consideration to award
a construction contract to the Lowest Bidder MTZ

Construction, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for the widening of Del Mar
Blvd. from Fenwick Drive to McPherson Road in the bid amount of
$950,549.39.Funding is available in the
1998 CO Issue Del Mar Widening-Fenwick-McPherson.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

29.Authorizing the City
Manager to execute a contract with URS Greiner Woodward

Clyde for professional
services to prepare an Airport Master Plan and FAR Part 150 Airport Noise
Compatibility Study Update for the LaredoInternationalAirport in the amount not to
exceed $500,000.00.The Federal Aviation Administration Airport
Improvement Grant No. 3-48-0136-29 will fund ninety (90) percent of the
cost.The ten (10) percent local match
is available in the Airport Land Acquisition Reimbursement Account.The grant provides $300,000.00 for the
Airport Master Plan and $200,000.00 for the FAR Part 150 Noise Study Update.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

30.Consideration to award
annual service contract number FY 02-053 to the Low Bidder,

Star Operations, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas, in an amount not to
exceed $400,000.00 for the furnishing of materials, machinery, equipment, labor
and all other services necessary for the maintenance of street lights (not
maintained by AEP-CPL) and traffic light signal lights throughout the city.The contract includes electrical services for
traffic signals sand street lights and for installation, construction, and
underground work, for new and/or upgraded traffic signals.This contract also contains provisions for
City departmental electrical service projects and repairs.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

31.Consideration to award
contract number FY01-048, to the Low Bidder, Surrey Fire

Safety House, Napoleon, Ohio, in the amount of $26,583.00 for the
purchase of a trailer mounted fire safety house for the Fire Prevention
Program.Funding is available in the
Fire Department budget.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

32.Consideration to award
contract number FY02-0441-064, to the Low Bidder, D'RYB

International, Inc., Laredo, Texas, in the amount of $47,247.86,
for the purchase of promotional materials for the Police Department,
Environmental Services Department, and Employee Wellness Division.Funding is available in the respective
departmental budgets.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Cm.Agredano

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

33.Consideration to
authorize Amendment No. 2 to increase the professional services fee

in the amount of $295,962.00 to Carter & Burgess, Inc., Fort
Worth, Texas, to provide channel design in the Villa Del Sol area and Section
404 permitting services for Chacon Creek.The total contract for the project is $452,070.00 and with Amendment No.
2, the project cost will be $748,032.00.The proposed channel design and construction plan will assist the City
to apply for grant/loan monies from Federal of State Agencies.Funding for the project is available in the
NPDES Fund.

Sonia Medina requested an extention of
injury leave.She noted that she would
not be able to return to active duty as a Police Officer.

Daniel Migura, Administrative Services Director, said that Sonia
Medina was injured on May 26, 2000.The
injury is in dispute; however, the City began paying her on June 12, 2000, and
it stopped on December 17th 2001.The
City has paid her $46,252.96.

Motion
to extend her injury leave for a period of 90 days with pay and get a prognosis.

Dan Migura, Administrative Services Department, noted that there
is a provision in the Civil Service Local Government Code 143073 that states a
municipality shall provide a fire fighter or a police officer a leave of
absence for an illness or and injury related to the persons line of duty.The pay may extend for at least one
year.He noted that Leonardo Gutierrez
was injured onJune
19, 2000 and at that point he started receiving full pay and which ended on
November 8, 2002.He said that the pay
was extended administratively until December 8th.The City has paid $43,867 to date.

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, said that there have been other
police officers that have had extensions in the past, and City Council has
asked that there be some prognosis from the physician to determine if the
officer will be able to return to duty or not.

Motion
to grant the extension of 90 days with pay and get a prognosis.

Moved:Cm.Amaya

Second:Mayor Pro Tempore Valdez

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

36.Staff report regarding code violations at 619 Guadalupe.

Tommy Ochoa, Municipal Court Clerk, reported that the individual
has been issued seven violations.He
said that the individual entered a plea of guilty to six violations and has a
pending fine of $2,905.The fine will
become payable on February 27, 2002.They are working with the client.There are no new violations.

Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that he would talk to the
Municipal Court Judge about the violations.He noted that the City might proceed with a Temporary Restraining Order
until all fines are paid because the client has traffic violations too.

Keith Selman, Planning Director, mentioned that staff is working
on creating a One Stop Shop process.He
said they began the process by moving the curb cut staff from the Engineering
Department into the Building department.The next step is going to be the adoption of the fire code and what we
do with the fire inspections.Ultimately, the City does not have a facility to house all the different
departments in the building process and that is why staff needs an electronic
mechanism for tracking and dissemination.

XIV.EXECUTIVE SESSION

The City Council hereby reserves the right to go into executive
session at any time during this public meeting, when it deems it necessary to
consult privately with its attorney about any item upon this agenda, pursuant
to the provisions of Section 551.071(2) of the Texas Government Code.

(B) to consult with the City Attorney regarding pending litigation
and possible settlement offer, Jesus G. Molina v. City of Laredo, Texas, Cause
No. 96CVT01556-D2, in the District Court of Webb County, Texas, 111th Judicial
District, and return to open session for possible action.

Motion to go into Executive Session
pursuant to Texas Government Code 551.071 (1) (A) & (B) to consult with the
City Attorney regarding the pending litigation and possible settlement offer,
Jesus G.Molina v.City of Laredo, Texas, Cause
No.96CVT01556-D2,
in the District Court of Webb County, Texas, 111th Judicial District, and
return to open session for possible action.

Moved:Cm.Galo

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:7Against:0Abstain:0

After Executive Session, Mayor Flores announced that no formal
action was taken.

Motion authorizing the City Manager to
settle Jesus G.Molina v City of Laredo,
Texas, Cause No.96CVT01556-D2, in the District Court of Webb County, Texas, 111th
Judicial District, with payment of $169,392.50 for lost wages plus interest for
the period December 1994 through August 2000.

Moved:Cm.Galo

Second:Cm.Amaya

For:7Against:Abstain:0

XV. RECESS AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MUNICIPAL
HOUSING

CORPORATION

Motion to recess as City Council and
Convene as the Laredo Municipal Housing Corporation.

Moved:Cm.Amaya

Second:Cm.Galo

For:8Against:0Abstain:0

39.Consideration to award
contract number FY02-041 to the Sole Bidder CW Tenorio

Security of Laredo, Texas in the annual amount of $13,560.00 to
provide security guard services at the Tomas Flores Apartment Complex.One security guard is assigned to patrol the
complex from Monday through Sunday.The
contract will be for a period of two years.Funding is available in the Housing Corporation budget.

Motion to approve.

Moved:Cm.Amaya

Second:Cm.Galo

For:7Against:0Abstain:0

Motion to adjourn as the Laredo Municipal
Housing Corporation and convene as the Laredo Mass Transit Board.